Goals from Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini secure a winning return for coach Pitso Mosimane against a stubborn Guinea side in Soweto.
Pitso Mosimane’s second stint in charge of Bafana Bafana began with a 2-1 win over Guinea in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Guinea Threaten Early
Guinea started the brighter side, winger Aliou Balde beating Aubrey Modiba on the flank before forcing a save from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams in the seventh minute. Relebohile Mofokeng squandered a good chance to open the scoring for Bafana in the 12th minute, dragging his shot wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. Bafana continued to press without reward as the half wore on.
Mosimane made just three changes from Hugo Broos’ final selection at the World Cup in Los Angeles. Olwethu Makhanya and Kamogelo Sebelebele came into defence, while Iqraam Rayners started up front. Williams retained the captain’s armband and his place in goal, marshalling a back four of Modiba, Sebelebele, Makhanya and Okon.
Okon Breaks The Deadlock
The breakthrough arrived in the 30th minute when a short corner routine found Teboho Mokoena, whose cross created a scramble in the box. Ime Okon reacted quickest, driving home the rebound to give Bafana (1003.75) the lead. The goal capped a period of sustained pressure, with Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole controlling midfield throughout.
Bafana had further chances before the break through Modiba, Mokoena, Thapelo Maseko and Mofokeng, but could not extend the lead. Guinea almost levelled matters on the stroke of halftime when Serhou Guirassy’s free kick flew narrowly over the crossbar. The hosts went into the interval with a slender advantage intact.
Guinea Level Through Controversial Goal
The second half settled into a more cautious pattern before Guinea (10.00) drew level in the 69th minute. A Guirassy free kick struck the defensive wall and fell for Seydouba Cisse, who tucked home from close range. Replays suggested the goalscorer may have strayed offside in the build-up, though the goal was allowed to stand.
Mosimane turned to his bench, introducing Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma to a warm reception from the Soweto crowd. The substitution paid off within minutes as Bafana regained their composure and pushed forward in search of a second goal.
Kabini Restores The Lead
Mbuthuma combined with fellow substitute Samukele Kabini in the 77th minute, setting up the Norway-based defender to slot home the winner. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the home support, who had grown restless after Guinea’s equaliser. Bafana held firm for the remainder of the match to secure a hard-fought victory.
Guinea pushed for a second equaliser late on, Guirassy sending a chance high and wide in the 88th minute. Bafana almost added a third in injury time, but Mbuthuma could not make clean contact with Mokoena’s cross. The result puts South Africa top of Group D after Kenya and Eritrea played out a 1-1 draw elsewhere.
Group Picture Takes Shape
Bafana’s win represents their second victory of the year, following defeats to Cameroon, Mexico and Canada and a draw against Czechia. Their previous win came against South Korea at the World Cup, a result that propelled them into the knockout stages. Mosimane will hope this qualifying campaign delivers a first AFCON title since 1996.
Bafana should extend their winning start against Eritrea, with qualification for AFCON 2027 well within reach under Mosimane’s early guidance.
